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Issue: Summer 2012 | Posted: June 18, 2012

Library Legacy

A Historic Crossroads at Union University

As the institution that is now Union University struggled to survive the aftermath of the Civil War, one of the most pressing academic needs involved the library.

Accounts from that time tell us that the collection lacked quality more than quantity. Classic literary works and volumes dedicated to the latest scientific discoveries were in short supply. Donors were asked to step up and provide these volumes.

At that crucial moment in the institution’s history, donors responded. Perhaps they recognized that a university fighting to survive in that era without a collection of relevant books was at a tremendous disadvantage.

More than a century later, under far different circumstances, Union’s library is again the focus of attention.

Libraries are no longer simply storehouses for book collections. They serve as information centers where scholars can study antiquated special collection documents and then connect via satellite with scholars on another continent a few moments later.

In many ways, Union’s Emma Waters Summar library has kept pace with the institution’s rapid growth. Collections have been added and updated, and capable staff members extend assistance to students with a variety of research needs. But increasingly, space is at a premium.

The current library in Penick Academic Complex first took shape in the mid- 1970s, as Union moved to its north Jackson location. At that time, the school had an enrollment of about 1,000 students. The original library space was designed to seat only about 150 people.

In the years that followed, expansion became necessary. Walls came down between the library and some adjacent offices and language labs along the F-corridor. Once this step was taken, there was no more room for expansion at the current location.

Today’s 25,000-square-foot space is increasingly cramped for a university with more than 4,200 students.

A Kairos moment

Union strategic planning has focused on this issue for several years. The Union 2012 plan called for exploration of a new library. That work involved looking at a variety of institutions and the challenges they faced in constructing new libraries.

As plans began to emerge for a freestanding facility that would more than double available library space, cost estimates fell in the $18-$20 million range.

The project attracted the attention of Bill and Carol Latimer of Union City, Tenn. The long-time friends of Union took an interest in the planning process and engaged their imaginations. When they announced their intention to make a lead matching gift of up to $10 million, Union President David S. Dockery called it a “kairos moment” in the life of the university.

During the time of Christ, the Greek words kairos and chronos represented the concept of time. Chronos signified the passage of time, while kairos described one deeply significant moment or event.

“This is a rare opportunity that we have been given,” Dockery said. “This generous foundation will match every dollar given by other Union friends toward the building of this facility.”

The Bill and Carol Latimer foundation will match every library contribution made through December 2012. Pledges made by that time and redeemed by the end of December 2014 also will be matched.

Campus Reaction

The reaction to this kairos moment has been swift and strong.

Faculty and staff members see the benefits of a first-class library facility in terms that reach far beyond book collections.

The library will be a signature building which will serve the entire Union community,” Senior Vice President for Business Services Gary Carter said. “I feel it is a privilege to be part of such a significant project.”

Giving to the library is a way to give to the entire Union community: students, faculty, alumni, even the larger West Tennessee region,” Executive Vice President for Academic Administration Gene Fant said. “Nothing on campus will cut as broad a swath of influence on as wide a group of people as that building and all that it contains and symbolizes. Lisa and I are delighted to be able to support this project with our gifts and our prayers.”Students put together a mini-campaign called “iGave.” Although most can make only small financial contributions, leaders of the campaign say there is a sense of opportunity among students that any gift will make them a part of something that will have value long after they graduate from Union.

“We’re not concerned with how much money we can give,” said Karl Magnuson, a senior engineering student from Louisville, Ky. “It’s important enough to us to give monetary support in whatever amount we can find.”

The New Building

Designed by TLM Associates in Jackson, the library building will have an open feel with numerous large windows for external lighting. It will be capped by a large dome.

The first floor will contain seminar rooms, group study and collaborative study rooms, a reception area and auditorium. The second floor will primarily house Union’s growing collection of books and academic resources. The third floor will include archives and a heritage room.

Construction will begin later this year, with an estimated completion date in early 2014.